Lena Torres
Whether or not rust on guitar pickups affects their sound is a question that has been asked by many guitarists. Some guitarists claim that rust on the pickups of their guitar has not made any noticeable difference to the sound. However, others argue that while a little rust on pole pieces will not have a noticeable effect, if the coils become rusty, this can cause microphonics and eventually lead to the death of the pickup. The type of magnet also matters; rust on a rare earth magnet with iron in it will be much more noticeable than on other types of magnets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does rust on pickups affect sound | No, it does not affect the tone or performance of the pickups. However, rust on the actual coils can cause microphonics and eventually lead to the death of the pickup. |
| How to remove rust from pickups | Soak a paper towel or rag with vinegar and put it next to the magnets for a few minutes. Make sure to dry it off completely afterward. Alternatively, use ScotchBrite abrasive pads or 0000 steel wool. |
| Causes of rust on pickups | Sweat, oil from skin. |
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What You'll Learn
Rust on pickups rarely affects sound
Rust on guitar pickups rarely affects their sound. While some guitar players believe that rusty pickups can enhance the tone of the guitar, giving it a "brown" tone, most people agree that a small amount of rust will not have any noticeable effect on the sound. One electrical engineer who worked in the area of guitar pickups confirmed that rust on the pickup poles will not affect the sound.
Pickup poles are just there to "steer" the magnetic field, while the copper windings and the large flat magnet under the pickup are more important for the guitar's sound. However, if the poles are rusty, it is possible that the magnet might be affected as well, depending on the type of magnet. Alnico magnets, for example, will be markedly weakened by rust, whereas ceramic magnets do not rust or oxidize at all. Similarly, Samarium-Cobalt magnets do not oxidize.
If you are concerned about rust on your guitar pickups, there are a few things you can do to clean them. One method is to use a paper towel or rag soaked in vinegar and put it next to the magnets for a few minutes. Just be sure to dry it off completely afterward. Another method is to take the pup covers off and use 0000 steel wool to remove the rust.
While a small amount of rust on guitar pickups is generally not a cause for concern in terms of sound quality, it is still important to maintain your guitar and keep it in good condition. This includes regularly wiping down your guitar and pickups to prevent rust from building up over time.
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The type of magnet matters
The type of magnet used in pickups does matter when it comes to sound and performance. At the core of every pickup is one or more magnets that define the fundamental character of the pickup's tone. The shape and material of the magnet will affect its magnetic properties, and the specific shape of the magnet is important because it affects the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
The most common shape for guitar pickup magnets is the rod shape, typically made of Alnico or ceramic material. This shape allows for a strong magnetic field to be focused directly under the strings of the guitar, which is essential for producing a clear and powerful sound. The magnetic field needs to be strong enough to vibrate the strings and create a signal, but not so strong that it interferes with the vibration of the strings.
Different grades of Alnico magnets will produce different sounds. For example, Alnico II has a full low end, enhanced mid-range, and a sweet top end, while Alnico III has a clear, warm low end, full mid-range, and a soft high end. Alnico IV has a tighter bass response than Alnico II, a brighter sound than Alnico III, and a sweeter top end than Alnico V. Alnico V is the most common grade and is stronger than Alnico II, III, and IV, with a more mid-scooped sound.
Ceramic magnets are another option and are known for their high output, which can bring an edge to pickups. The shape of the magnet can also be varied, with some people experimenting with triangular prism-shaped magnets instead of the standard cylindrical ones. However, changing the shape of the magnet may alter the strength and direction of the magnetic field, potentially resulting in a different sound.
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Microphonics and pickup death
Microphonics refers to the phenomenon where a pickup starts to act like a microphone, amplifying voices and other sounds through the speakers. This can cause squealing and feedback, which some guitarists may find undesirable. However, some guitarists embrace the unique sound of microphonic pickups, finding that it adds a vintage or percussive element to their tone.
There are several factors that can contribute to microphonics. One common cause is when the wax coating on the coil of the pickup does not fully saturate or permeate the coil, leaving gaps that allow the parts to vibrate and produce uncontrollable microphonics or feedback. Another cause could be the physical location of the amplifier's transformer, which can be adjusted to reduce squealing. Additionally, high amounts of gain or distortion can make a microphonic pickup more noticeable or unusable.
To address microphonics, some guitarists choose to "pot" or "wax pot" their pickups, which involves saturating the coil with hot wax to fill all the gaps and prevent the parts from vibrating. This process can be dangerous and requires careful handling to avoid burns and distortion of the coil shape. Others choose to simply adjust their playing style or positioning in relation to the amplifier to reduce the occurrence of squealing.
If left unaddressed, severe rust on the coils of a pickup can eventually lead to the death of the pickup. This typically occurs when the rust bores its way through the entire pole, rendering the pickup unusable. Therefore, it is important for guitarists to regularly clean and maintain their pickups to prevent excessive rust buildup and potential damage.
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Cleaning rusty pickups
Rust on guitar pickups is a common issue, often caused by sweat, oil from the skin, and dust. While some people embrace the "vintage" look of rusty pickups, it is possible to clean them without causing damage.
One method is to use a small ball of aluminum foil and a small amount of WD-40. The aluminum foil is softer than most metals, so it won't cause scratches, but it is harder than the corrosion, allowing it to remove the rust. You can also use other penetrating oils, such as Brasso, applied with a rag or Q-tip, followed by wiping off the excess with a dry cloth. Be careful not to get any on the paintwork.
Another approach is to use a rust converter, which contains phosphoric acid. First, remove the pickup and its covers. Then, apply a small amount of the converter to each pole with a small paintbrush or cotton bud. Leave it for several hours, and then wipe it clean. Finally, paint the pickup with a clear lacquer to protect it. You can use various substances as a clear lacquer, including shellac, poly, super glue, penetrol, or clear nail polish.
If you are concerned about the rust affecting the sound of your guitar, it is worth noting that the pole pieces' primary function is to "steer" the magnetic field. The copper windings and the large flat magnet under the pickup play a more significant role in the sound. Therefore, if the poles are rusty, it is possible that the magnet may also be affected, depending on the type of magnet. Any real cleaning of the pickups would require removing the poles, which can be a lot of work, so some people opt to replace the pickups instead.
Additionally, you can try soaking a paper towel or rag with vinegar and placing it next to the magnets for a few minutes. Make sure to dry the pickups completely afterward. This method is less invasive than the others but may not be as effective for more severe cases of rust.
It is important to note that you should avoid using steel wool or other ferrous materials when cleaning pickups, as the tiny metal pieces can be drawn into the pickup by the magnetic pull and cause damage to the internal components.
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Preventing rust
While rust on guitar pickups may not affect the sound, it can be unsightly. Some guitarists even prefer the "'vintage" look that rust provides. However, if you would like to prevent rust from forming on your guitar pickups, there are several precautions you can take.
Firstly, it is important to understand how rust forms on guitar pickups. One user on Reddit suggested that sweat, oil from skin, and dust could be contributing factors. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe down your guitar after every session to prevent the buildup of these substances.
Additionally, you can try using penetrating oils, such as WD-40, to clean and protect your guitar pickups from rust. Simply apply the oil to a rag or Q-tip and rub it on the affected areas. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil. Be careful not to get any oil on the guitar's paintwork.
Another method for removing rust is to use a mild acid, such as vinegar. Soak a paper towel or rag with vinegar and place it next to the magnets for a few minutes. You can also fill your bath with distilled white vinegar and leave your guitar in it overnight. Just be sure to completely dry the guitar afterward.
If you prefer a more natural approach, you can try using lemon and salt. This method may work quicker than the vinegar soak. However, be cautious when using this method, as the salt can be abrasive and may damage the finish of your guitar if not properly diluted.
Finally, it is important to note that attempting to clean the pickups can be risky, as it may result in broken electronics. If the rust is extensive and affecting the performance of your guitar, it may be best to simply replace the pickups.
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Frequently asked questions
A small amount of rust on guitar pickups will not affect the sound. However, if the coils are rusty, this can cause microphonics and eventually, the pickup may stop working.
To prevent rust, you can wipe down your guitar after each use.
You can remove rust by soaking a paper towel or rag with vinegar and holding it against the magnets for a few minutes. Be sure to dry the pickups completely afterward.
Rust can be caused by sweat and oil from your skin.
